Chinese Government Condemns US of ‘Double Standards’ Regarding Tariff Threat
Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.
A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.
On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.
He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.
Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.
These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.
This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.
This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a import levy.
China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.
The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.
The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.
“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official said.
“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”
Recently, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.
This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.
Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.
Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.
